The only shreds of positiveity is that we have a soft couple of weeks to get Oliver and Grice acclimated...and that Rivers can make any player on the field much more dangerous with his systematic decision-making.

Good amount of options out there. We have to sign Cordarro Law to the PS I'm guessing to get to 53 (currently at 52) unless were scouting. Grice would probably be the other promotion unless their trying to get more experience until Mathews comes back.

Thing is with Grice and Oliver is they don't have the reps and they probably don't pick up blocks on passing downs as well.

Could change the entire offense. Perhaps they sign another heavy duty back like Michael Bush and use Brown as the 3rd down guy. I just don't see finding anyone that can fill the void of Woodhead. Brown is the best option there, but then you need another 1st and 2nd down runner.

The team good go with another heavy back ala bush or might prefer to add a speedy third down option like lamichael James or even Jeff demps. Nevertheless the team has an option in the PS; Marion grice.

The team good go with another heavy back ala bush or might prefer to add a speedy third down option like lamichael James or even Jeff demps. Nevertheless the team has an option in the PS; Marion grice.

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Can you believe it though, we went into this season pumped about having a 3 headed monster of Mathews, Woodhead, and Brown. As of now our 3 headed monster consists of Brown, Oliver, and Grice...

Of course you don't like to say any game is easy, but we are very lucky that are next 4 opponents are who they are. Especially if Verrett is out for any period of time.

Could change the entire offense. Perhaps they sign another heavy duty back like Michael Bush and use Brown as the 3rd down guy. I just don't see finding anyone that can fill the void of Woodhead. Brown is the best option there, but then you need another 1st and 2nd down runner.

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Eh, I would prefer LaMichael James to be honest. Not only because he adds speed and some experience, but he could be a return option as well as a 3rd down back ala Woodhead.

Eh, I would prefer LaMichael James to be honest. Not only because he adds speed and some experience, but he could be a return option as well as a 3rd down back ala Woodhead.

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People are aware that LaMike is pretty terrible at pass-blocking, right? It's part and parcel to why San Fran cut him. It's certainly not a sexy option, but Lance Ball is a free agent and has played under McCoy before - not Reich's system, but likely is familiar with a fair amount of the plays - and was productive.

Danny Woodhead likely out for yearORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Danny Woodhead gave an impassioned speech Saturday to his teammates.

Coach Mike McCoy selects a different player to address them the night before each game. He chose the veteran Chargers running back, who told the men at the team hotel to love the game and love each other, that there is no telling when one day this experience all can be taken away.

Of all days, it had to be Sunday.

Of all people, it had to be him.

Woodhead was carted off the field in the first quarter of a 22-10 win over the Bills. He suffered an announced ankle injury and left Ralph Wilson Stadium on crutches. A grim tone followed the topic in the locker room, a strong sense he wouldn't return anytime soon and likely not this season. A Fox Sports report confirmed with specifics of a severe high ankle sprain and a fractured fibula, likely requiring season-ending surgery.

This was a day the Chargers were winners.

It didn't feel that way. Not when talking about Woodhead, one of the NFL's top receivers at his position and an energetic, experienced part of the team.

To have heard him Saturday "adds to the sting a little bit," quarterback Philip Rivers said.

"You hate it for him first," Rivers said. "Obviously, it's going to hurt us. But you hate it for him. He'll get through it. It's tough, I know, early like this to get hurt like that. We'll miss him, but guys will step up. You don't want anybody to get hurt. We'd be disappointed if anybody got hurt. But it just adds to the fact that you know a guy who loves it that much, cares about it that much, and goes down on his first snap."

Woodhead was injured on the Chargers' first drive.

Expected to be involved heavily in the game with Ryan Mathews (knee) out, he was tackled on a 1-yard run by Kyle Williams. The Bills nose tackle dove at his right ankle, incidentally mangling it out of place as Woodhead's leg got caught up in a pile.

Mathews was carted off the field one week earlier in the fourth quarter. He may miss another few weeks.

In their absences, running back Donald Brown carried the load. He had 31 carries and 36 touches, both career highs, for 89 total yards.

San Diego will add a running back in the coming days. Marion Grice, a rookie sixth-round pick, is on the practice squad, but the team may prefer to explore veteran options in free agency. Ex-Niner LaMichael James tweeted Sunday night he's "ready" if called, although the Chargers have not expressed interested at this early stage.

Undrafted rookie Branden Oliver and Brown are the only other healthy running backs on the roster.

Woodhead signed a three-year, $7.25 million deal in July.

He may not play again this season. His message, however, can remain with the team.

"Love the game," safety Eric Weddle said. "This is the best game in the world. Love the game. Love your teammates. Play for each other. You never know when it could be your last game, your last play, so play like it. I think it showed the way we played out there. Credit Woody for a great talk for us."

People are aware that LaMike is pretty terrible at pass-blocking, right? It's part and parcel to why San Fran cut him. It's certainly not a sexy option, but Lance Ball is a free agent and has played under McCoy before - not Reich's system, but likely is familiar with a fair amount of the plays - and was productive.

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And played against a majority of loaded boxes thanks to Tim Tebow being at QB while he had that productive 2011 season.

But LaMichael James was cut for those reasons listed. Also, they feel with the drafting of Bruce Ellington with give them that explosive option, on end-arounds, returns, etc. He also kept bitching apparently, about playing time and also wanting to be released.

Danny Woodhead likely out for yearORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Danny Woodhead gave an impassioned speech Saturday to his teammates.

Coach Mike McCoy selects a different player to address them the night before each game. He chose the veteran Chargers running back, who told the men at the team hotel to love the game and love each other, that there is no telling when one day this experience all can be taken away.

Of all days, it had to be Sunday.

Of all people, it had to be him.

Woodhead was carted off the field in the first quarter of a 22-10 win over the Bills. He suffered an announced ankle injury and left Ralph Wilson Stadium on crutches. A grim tone followed the topic in the locker room, a strong sense he wouldn't return anytime soon and likely not this season. A Fox Sports report confirmed with specifics of a severe high ankle sprain and a fractured fibula, likely requiring season-ending surgery.

This was a day the Chargers were winners.

It didn't feel that way. Not when talking about Woodhead, one of the NFL's top receivers at his position and an energetic, experienced part of the team.

To have heard him Saturday "adds to the sting a little bit," quarterback Philip Rivers said.

"You hate it for him first," Rivers said. "Obviously, it's going to hurt us. But you hate it for him. He'll get through it. It's tough, I know, early like this to get hurt like that. We'll miss him, but guys will step up. You don't want anybody to get hurt. We'd be disappointed if anybody got hurt. But it just adds to the fact that you know a guy who loves it that much, cares about it that much, and goes down on his first snap."

Woodhead was injured on the Chargers' first drive.

Expected to be involved heavily in the game with Ryan Mathews (knee) out, he was tackled on a 1-yard run by Kyle Williams. The Bills nose tackle dove at his right ankle, incidentally mangling it out of place as Woodhead's leg got caught up in a pile.

Mathews was carted off the field one week earlier in the fourth quarter. He may miss another few weeks.

In their absences, running back Donald Brown carried the load. He had 31 carries and 36 touches, both career highs, for 89 total yards.

San Diego will add a running back in the coming days. Marion Grice, a rookie sixth-round pick, is on the practice squad, but the team may prefer to explore veteran options in free agency. Ex-Niner LaMichael James tweeted Sunday night he's "ready" if called, although the Chargers have not expressed interested at this early stage.

Undrafted rookie Branden Oliver and Brown are the only other healthy running backs on the roster.

Woodhead signed a three-year, $7.25 million deal in July.

He may not play again this season. His message, however, can remain with the team.

"Love the game," safety Eric Weddle said. "This is the best game in the world. Love the game. Love your teammates. Play for each other. You never know when it could be your last game, your last play, so play like it. I think it showed the way we played out there. Credit Woody for a great talk for us."

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The vibe didn't feel good. This hurts, a lot. But, next man up mentality. Every week seems like we're getting some significant injury.

It will be curious about Grice, because I saw him as Woodhead insurance. He not as quick as Woody, but the guy was a tremendous pass catcher in college. His last two college seasons he had a combined 850+ receiving yards and 14 receiving TD's. That's pretty damn good.

Doesn't mean he can't return kicks for us, and catch the ball out of the backfield, and add some east/west to our running game.

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Yeah, but aside from the return detail that's really no different than what Grice (who already knows the system and costs less) adds (wasn't exactly given much of a crack at returning kicks in the preseason, but then neither was Oliver). Look, I'm an Oregon fan, I'd love for LaMike to pan out a pro player, but I had my reservations when he was even in college and he pretty much confirmed them on the Niners. The fact that they'd just up and let him walk for nothing after Hunter was already done for the season certainly says something. Not like theirs is a team that's struggled to evaluate talent over the past half-decade.

Too many people overrate James based off of what he did in college.

Might be a dual bit to target someone like Henry Josey, who tore it up for the Eagles in the preseason (running behind a similar style blocking scheme as we run) and is currently sitting on the Jags practice squad. Which means he'd come in with good potential and working knowledge of the playbook of the team we're next set to face.

Horrible news about Woody, such a great great player, so valuable to this team and O. He will be v hard to replace. I say bring Grice up and let him spell Brown on 1st and 2nd down and get Brown more involved on 3rd down.

Will also be v interesting to see how we manage the Melvin deal. Do we bring Law up or does TT find another Keiser clone on the scrap heap?, any ex Colt OLBs hanging around?

The human bowling pin wasn't able to be reset for the rest of yesterdays game and it looks like the remainder of this season may be lost to him. Somehow it just doesn't seem fair that a kid like him who loves the game so much to have it taken away, while others live on to play next week who show nor have respect except for themselves.

We not only lost a playmaker but a real spark plug. I love the energy he brings to the game! I cling to the hope that the injury is not as severe as first reports and that we'll get him back later this season.

Bolt from the Blue brought up an interesting name I hadn't considered; Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis

Not only am I fond of him (lawyer giving love to the Law Firm) but he provides a very tough inside running component that the team could especially lean on in a game like Buffalo. Brown isn't a big time back who can carry the rock 25+ times a game and is better suited for some speed after BJGE smashes into the line repeatedly. This also allows Oliver to remain the KR specialist and occasionally get mixed in a'la Sproles early in his career (sorry, had to). The team needs a power running component and while he's definitely not flashy, I like the idea of BJGE as a thunder element to Brown's lightning and Oliver's flash.

Bolt from the Blue brought up an interesting name I hadn't considered; Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis

Not only am I fond of him (lawyer giving love to the Law Firm) but he provides a very tough inside running component that the team could especially lean on in a game like Buffalo. Brown isn't a big time back who can carry the rock 25+ times a game and is better suited for some speed after BJGE smashes into the line repeatedly. This also allows Oliver to remain the KR specialist and occasionally get mixed in a'la Sproles early in his career (sorry, had to). The team needs a power running component and while he's definitely not flashy, I like the idea of BJGE as a thunder element to Brown's lightning and Oliver's flash.

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Oliver has great hands and balance, he did very well catching passes much like we did with Woodhead, he's also bigger than people think and very strong. I love the idea of bringing in a bruiser like BJGE to work in tandem with Brown (who I thought it did quite well despite those maddening run-up-the-middle calls killing his ypc average in the end). My understanding of BJGE was he wanted to get paid and at 29 the Bengals said no, I would imagine sitting for the first few weeks might have changed his feelings on this and he could be prime for a 1-3yr deal that could work for us.

I can't imagine we don't go get a vet somehow, gonna have to trust in Telesco to make the right move. *fingerscrossed* maybe he has another former Colt to pull out of his hat?

Yeah, but aside from the return detail that's really no different than what Grice (who already knows the system and costs less) adds (wasn't exactly given much of a crack at returning kicks in the preseason, but then neither was Oliver). Look, I'm an Oregon fan, I'd love for LaMike to pan out a pro player, but I had my reservations when he was even in college and he pretty much confirmed them on the Niners. The fact that they'd just up and let him walk for nothing after Hunter was already done for the season certainly says something. Not like theirs is a team that's struggled to evaluate talent over the past half-decade.

Too many people overrate James based off of what he did in college.

Might be a dual bit to target someone like Henry Josey, who tore it up for the Eagles in the preseason (running behind a similar style blocking scheme as we run) and is currently sitting on the Jags practice squad. Which means he'd come in with good potential and working knowledge of the playbook of the team we're next set to face.

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First thing I'll say is I don't think LaMike was ever a fit for San Francisco's scheme, he came from Oregon's stretch/zone/single back system and he went into a more power blocking oriented offense. I think he's at his best when just trying to run for daylight.

Grice is SLOW, even against 2nd and 3rd stringers he looked slow, and the fact that we kept Oliver over him indicates the staff probably wasn't very impressed either. I know he can catch the ball, but can he make anybody miss at this level or is it going to be catch and fall down?

What LMJ gives us at minimum is an instant KR and PR, with the added speed to our backfield that we currently don't have. I would give him a workout, offer him a 1 year incentive heavy deal, and tell him that Danny Woodhead's role is up for grabs, which would definitely make up the playing time he was lacking (and complaining about) in SF. If he doesn't cut it...we move on in a couple weeks, little ventured, little gained.

First thing I'll say is I don't think LaMike was ever a fit for San Francisco's scheme, he came from Oregon's stretch/zone/single back system and he went into a more power blocking oriented offense. I think he's at his best when just trying to run for daylight.

Grice is SLOW, even against 2nd and 3rd stringers he looked slow, and the fact that we kept Oliver over him indicates the staff probably wasn't very impressed either. I know he can catch the ball, but can he make anybody miss at this level or is it going to be catch and fall down?

What LMJ gives us at minimum is an instant KR and PR, with the added speed to our backfield that we currently don't have. I would give him a workout, offer him a 1 year incentive heavy deal, and tell him that Danny Woodhead's role is up for grabs, which would definitely make up the playing time he was lacking (and complaining about) in SF. If he doesn't cut it...we move on in a couple weeks, little ventured, little gained.

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James' issue is his fumbling.... I don't see that going away. He's also not a between the tackles runner at like Woodhead could be. Danny was great in space, but he also could dive through the line and pickup positive yardage. James is really only effective in space. He's a more limited player than Woodhead, even if he is more explosive.

The one thing in favor of James, is his return ability. We've had both Brown and Woodhead involved in that aspect. With Brown promoted to main duty, that means we need someone else to take that role. Oliver can do it, but James would bring a more dynamic option to the return game. We haven't really have a return threat on the roster.